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Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect your neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs. The pain may be worse in the morning and evening. Sometimes, the pain may last all day long. The pain may get worse with activity, cold or damp weather, anxiety and stress. The condition affects about 1 in 50 to 1 in 25 people in the U.S. It is most common in middle-aged women.

What causes fibromyalgia?

The cause is unknown. Researchers think there may be a link with sleep problems and stress. It may also be linked to immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Each person’s symptoms may vary. But chronic pain is the most common symptom. The pain most often affects the muscles and the points where muscles attach to bones. These are the ligaments and tendons.

Pain may start in one part of your body, such as your neck and shoulders. Any part of the body can be affected. . The pain ranges from mild to severe. It may feel like burning, soreness, stiffness, aching, or gnawing pain. You may have sore spots in certain parts of your muscles. It may feel like arthritis, but it’s not a condition that gets worse. And it doesn't damage muscles or bones.

Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Medium to severe tiredness (fatigue)

Less exercise endurance

Sleep problems at night

Depressed mood

Anxiety

Headaches

Irritable bowel symptoms, such as belly (abdominal) pain and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation

Restless legs

Painful menstrual periods

Trouble thinking clearly (called "fibro fog")

These symptoms can seem like other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

There are no tests that can confirm a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Instead, diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and possibly ruling out other conditions.

How is fibromyalgia treated?

Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but symptoms can be managed. Mild cases may get better with stress reduction or lifestyle changes. More severe cases may need to be treated with a team. This may include your primary healthcare provider, a specialist called a rheumatologist, a physical therapist, and a pain management clinic. Treatment may include:

Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

Living with fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. But you can manage it by working with your healthcare provider. In addition to medicines, lifestyle changes can help symptoms. These include getting enough sleep and exercise.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.

Key points about fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body.

Researchers think it may be linked to sleep problems, stress, or immune, endocrine, or biochemical problems.

Symptoms may also include lack of energy (fatigue), sleep problems, depression, headaches, and other problems.

There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed.

Treatment can include medicine, exercise, relaxation, heat or cold, and massage.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

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